A Chula Vista man was sentenced on Wednesday afternoon to 20 years to life in prison for intentionally running over his estranged wife with a pickup.
Cesar Castillo had earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder using a dangerous weapon, hit and run leading to death and violating a restraining order.
He also will not be allowed to see his three children for the next 10 years, per a restraining order granted by the judge.
Before the sentence was imposed, Castillo apologized to his wife's family, saying he was unstable at the time, and asked if he could talk to them at a later date.
"Hopefully, deep down one day, you can forgive me," he said.
More than a dozen of his wife's family and friends were inside the courtroom for Castillo's sentencing, many of whom gave statements before the sentence will be imposed.
"Cesar, you robbed these three babies," one of the victim's friends said, referring to the couple's three daughters. "You robbed her. You robbed herself. And for what? She loved you."
Local
Castillo's ex-wife Leonor was killed the day after Thanksgiving while her daughters were waiting at their grandparents' house to decorate the Christmas tree with their mother
The girls, ages 3, 8 and 10, now live with their grandparents who are retired.
Police said Castillo fled to Mexico, but surrendered to authorities three days later at the U.S.-Mexico border.
